Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSL973009 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Conduct field-based acceptance tests for construction materials

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL973009 - Conduct field-based acceptance tests for construction materials
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the ability to conduct in situ tests to confirm the acceptability of raw or manufactured, construction materials prior to or after their use. Personnel are expected to be able to work independently and liaise with site personnel to ensure that testing is conducted safely and efficiently. They may transport samples and/or equipment to and from the site, as necessary, and prepare test pieces on-site for later laboratory testing.This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory personnel working in the geotechnical and construction material testing industry sectors who conduct relatively quick and straightforward control and compliance tests using established test methods. These tests could involve aggregates, concrete, soils, road pavement or other specialised construction materials.The unit could also be relevant to laboratory technicians working in the water/wastewater and trade waste industry sectors.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL922001 Record and present data

MSL943001 Work safely with instruments that emit ionising radiation

MSL943002 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of test data, results and records generated by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and clients regarding the candidate's ability to work independently and conduct a range of field-based acceptance tests reliably, safely and efficiently

oral/written questions about workplace procedures and test methods relevant to their job role.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

sampling and test equipment and materials specified in the test method

test methods and description of test set-up, data sets and records

calculator and/or computer and relevant software or laboratory information system.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Testing
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare for field-based acceptance tests
  • Review job request to identify the test method and equipment involved, samples to be collected and/or test pieces to be prepared
  • Identify hazards and workplace safe work procedures associated with the site, samples, test methods and equipment used
  • Confirm site location, access, timing and any special test requirements
  • Assemble all required equipment/materials and check that they are fit for purpose
  • Stow equipment/materials to ensure their safe transport, as necessary
  • Arrange transport to site, as necessary
  • Liaise with appropriate personnel on arrival at site to ensure safety and minimise disruption to other workers during testing/sampling
       
Element: Perform field tests
  • Identify locations for in situ tests in accordance with test method or client instructions
  • Set up, check and operate test equipment safely and in accordance with workplace procedures and test method
  • Perform tests as specified in test method or workplace procedures
  • Take sufficient test measurements to ensure reliable data
  • Recognise obvious errors or atypical data and take appropriate corrective actions
  • Recognise and record details of site conditions that may impact on data quality
  • Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond own technical competence
       
Element: Collect site samples and prepare test pieces
  • Identify locations for sample collection in accordance with test method or client instructions
  • Seek advice if samples cannot be collected or if sampling procedures require modification
  • Obtain required samples and maintain their integrity in accordance with sampling procedures or test method
  • Label all samples to ensure their traceability
  • Recognise and record any information about the sample appearance or site conditions that may impact on sample integrity
  • Prepare required test pieces and organise their safe curing, storage and/or transport in accordance with test method
       
Element: Finalise field testing
  • Re-instate all disturbed surfaces in accordance with workplace procedures
  • Clean all equipment (and vehicle as necessary) to avoid environmental damage, including stormwater run-off and/or transfer of pests
  • Check that all equipment/materials are present and undamaged prior to re-stowing them for safe transport, as necessary
  • Notify appropriate site personnel on completion of tests and prior to leaving site
  • Check serviceability of test equipment on return to base, before storage
  • Complete site safety plans, equipment logs and test reports in accordance with workplace procedures
       
Element: Maintain a safe work environment
  • Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others
  • Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste
  • Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental/quarantine requirements and workplace procedures
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for field-based acceptance tests

1.1

Review job request to identify the test method and equipment involved, samples to be collected and/or test pieces to be prepared

1.2

Identify hazards and workplace safe work procedures associated with the site, samples, test methods and equipment used

1.3

Confirm site location, access, timing and any special test requirements

1.4

Assemble all required equipment/materials and check that they are fit for purpose

1.5

Stow equipment/materials to ensure their safe transport, as necessary

1.6

Arrange transport to site, as necessary

1.7

Liaise with appropriate personnel on arrival at site to ensure safety and minimise disruption to other workers during testing/sampling

2

Perform field tests

2.1

Identify locations for in situ tests in accordance with test method or client instructions

2.2

Set up, check and operate test equipment safely and in accordance with workplace procedures and test method

2.3

Perform tests as specified in test method or workplace procedures

2.4

Take sufficient test measurements to ensure reliable data

2.5

Recognise obvious errors or atypical data and take appropriate corrective actions

2.6

Recognise and record details of site conditions that may impact on data quality

2.7

Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond own technical competence

3

Collect site samples and prepare test pieces

3.1

Identify locations for sample collection in accordance with test method or client instructions

3.2

Seek advice if samples cannot be collected or if sampling procedures require modification

3.3

Obtain required samples and maintain their integrity in accordance with sampling procedures or test method

3.4

Label all samples to ensure their traceability

3.5

Recognise and record any information about the sample appearance or site conditions that may impact on sample integrity

3.6

Prepare required test pieces and organise their safe curing, storage and/or transport in accordance with test method

4

Finalise field testing

4.1

Re-instate all disturbed surfaces in accordance with workplace procedures

4.2

Clean all equipment (and vehicle as necessary) to avoid environmental damage, including stormwater run-off and/or transfer of pests

4.3

Check that all equipment/materials are present and undamaged prior to re-stowing them for safe transport, as necessary

4.4

Notify appropriate site personnel on completion of tests and prior to leaving site

4.5

Check serviceability of test equipment on return to base, before storage

4.6

Complete site safety plans, equipment logs and test reports in accordance with workplace procedures

5

Maintain a safe work environment

5.1

Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others

5.2

Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste

5.3

Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental/quarantine requirements and workplace procedures

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

liaising with site personnel to ensure that sampling and testing is conducted safely and efficiently

conducting at least three (3) different in situ tests to confirm the acceptability of raw or manufactured construction materials prior to or after their use

collecting field samples and preparing test pieces safely and accurately within the required timeframe on at least two (2) occasions

recognising obvious errors or atypical data and taking appropriate corrective actions

maintaining security, integrity and traceability of field samples, test pieces, test data, results and documentation

cleaning, checking, safely transporting and storing test and sampling equipment

following workplace procedures for safe work and minimising environmental impacts.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

the purpose and principles of construction materials tests performed as part of job role and key preparation/measurement steps in the test method

the properties of construction materials under test

calculation steps to give results in appropriate units and precision

expected values for sample type and sources of uncertainty (and methods for control) in construction materials tests routinely used in job role

pre-use checks and operating procedures for test equipment

procedures for recording and reporting test results, calculations, site observations, and handling unexpected or atypical results and equipment problems

procedures for ensuring traceability of samples, test pieces, test data and results

workplace confidentiality requirements relevant to job role

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environmental management requirements.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for field-based acceptance tests

1.1

Review job request to identify the test method and equipment involved, samples to be collected and/or test pieces to be prepared

1.2

Identify hazards and workplace safe work procedures associated with the site, samples, test methods and equipment used

1.3

Confirm site location, access, timing and any special test requirements

1.4

Assemble all required equipment/materials and check that they are fit for purpose

1.5

Stow equipment/materials to ensure their safe transport, as necessary

1.6

Arrange transport to site, as necessary

1.7

Liaise with appropriate personnel on arrival at site to ensure safety and minimise disruption to other workers during testing/sampling

2

Perform field tests

2.1

Identify locations for in situ tests in accordance with test method or client instructions

2.2

Set up, check and operate test equipment safely and in accordance with workplace procedures and test method

2.3

Perform tests as specified in test method or workplace procedures

2.4

Take sufficient test measurements to ensure reliable data

2.5

Recognise obvious errors or atypical data and take appropriate corrective actions

2.6

Recognise and record details of site conditions that may impact on data quality

2.7

Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond own technical competence

3

Collect site samples and prepare test pieces

3.1

Identify locations for sample collection in accordance with test method or client instructions

3.2

Seek advice if samples cannot be collected or if sampling procedures require modification

3.3

Obtain required samples and maintain their integrity in accordance with sampling procedures or test method

3.4

Label all samples to ensure their traceability

3.5

Recognise and record any information about the sample appearance or site conditions that may impact on sample integrity

3.6

Prepare required test pieces and organise their safe curing, storage and/or transport in accordance with test method

4

Finalise field testing

4.1

Re-instate all disturbed surfaces in accordance with workplace procedures

4.2

Clean all equipment (and vehicle as necessary) to avoid environmental damage, including stormwater run-off and/or transfer of pests

4.3

Check that all equipment/materials are present and undamaged prior to re-stowing them for safe transport, as necessary

4.4

Notify appropriate site personnel on completion of tests and prior to leaving site

4.5

Check serviceability of test equipment on return to base, before storage

4.6

Complete site safety plans, equipment logs and test reports in accordance with workplace procedures

5

Maintain a safe work environment

5.1

Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others

5.2

Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste

5.3

Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental/quarantine requirements and workplace procedures

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory safety and quality management

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, national measurement regulations and guidelines, and environmental legislation and regulations

standard methods for testing construction materials, such as soils, aggregates, concrete and asphalt

specific codes, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as:

AustRoads test methods, State/Territory Road Authority test methods

National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) documents regarding construction materials testing (Field application document)

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures; and maps, site plans and site safety plans

sampling and testing procedures for specific sites, clients and samples

Field-based acceptance tests

Field-based acceptance tests include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

testing of concrete, such as:

consistency (e.g. slump)

making and curing of concrete cylinders

air content

Schmidt hammer

testing of soils, such as:

field density (e.g. compaction control)

coarse particle distribution (e.g. rock protection layers and embankments)

dynamic cone penetration (DCP)

Clegg hammer

sample cores from stabilised pavements

testing of asphalt and bitumen seals, such as:

temperature of freshly laid asphalt

field density

texture depth

permeability

aggregate spread rate and binder spray rate

Appropriate corrective actions

Appropriate corrective actions include one or more of:

carefully re-reading of procedures and checklists

logically checking equipment set-up

checking calibration, zero error and drift for the measuring instrument

repeating test measurements

checking data entry and transcription for errors

seeking advice

Site samples and test pieces

Site samples and test pieces include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

site samples of aggregates, soil, concrete and road pavement

beams and cylinders for subsequent laboratory testing, such as Brazil test and Marshall stability/flow test

asphalt cores and slabs for testing wheel tracking and fatigue

Workplace safety procedures

Workplace safety procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs/barriers

labelling of samples, reagents and hazardous materials

use of PPE, such as hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, safety glasses, coveralls, respirators and safety boots

handling and storing hazardous material and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer instructions, and workplace procedures and regulations

following established safe handling procedures for tasks involving manual handling

cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas regularly using recommended procedures

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Review job request to identify the test method and equipment involved, samples to be collected and/or test pieces to be prepared 
Identify hazards and workplace safe work procedures associated with the site, samples, test methods and equipment used 
Confirm site location, access, timing and any special test requirements 
Assemble all required equipment/materials and check that they are fit for purpose 
Stow equipment/materials to ensure their safe transport, as necessary 
Arrange transport to site, as necessary 
Liaise with appropriate personnel on arrival at site to ensure safety and minimise disruption to other workers during testing/sampling 
Identify locations for in situ tests in accordance with test method or client instructions 
Set up, check and operate test equipment safely and in accordance with workplace procedures and test method 
Perform tests as specified in test method or workplace procedures 
Take sufficient test measurements to ensure reliable data 
Recognise obvious errors or atypical data and take appropriate corrective actions 
Recognise and record details of site conditions that may impact on data quality 
Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond own technical competence 
Identify locations for sample collection in accordance with test method or client instructions 
Seek advice if samples cannot be collected or if sampling procedures require modification 
Obtain required samples and maintain their integrity in accordance with sampling procedures or test method 
Label all samples to ensure their traceability 
Recognise and record any information about the sample appearance or site conditions that may impact on sample integrity 
Prepare required test pieces and organise their safe curing, storage and/or transport in accordance with test method 
Re-instate all disturbed surfaces in accordance with workplace procedures 
Clean all equipment (and vehicle as necessary) to avoid environmental damage, including stormwater run-off and/or transfer of pests 
Check that all equipment/materials are present and undamaged prior to re-stowing them for safe transport, as necessary 
Notify appropriate site personnel on completion of tests and prior to leaving site 
Check serviceability of test equipment on return to base, before storage 
Complete site safety plans, equipment logs and test reports in accordance with workplace procedures 
Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others 
Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste 
Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental/quarantine requirements and workplace procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL973009 - Conduct field-based acceptance tests for construction materials
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MSL973009 - Conduct field-based acceptance tests for construction materials

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: